New Jersey libraries in crisis

ROBERT SCIARRINO/THE STAR-LEDGERPatrons at the new Mount Olive Library use computer stations located in the reference section of the library.
Last week, the state’s librarians rallied in Trenton, complaining that Gov. Chris Christie’s plan to cut library funding by 74 percent will put libraries in a bind.
The librarians make good points:

• The state cuts are so harsh that many libraries could lose internet access and e-mail capabilities — a silly idea when more people need and use the internet and more governmental agencies and business are interacting with people online.

• The popular interlibrary loan, which shuttles books and other items between facilities, probably will be eliminated.

• And, ironically, at a time when Christie is demanding efficiencies, he is severely penalizing libraries — the group that practically invented shared services.

The cuts are Draconian, and partial funding should be restored. But instead of just getting their Dewey decimals in a knot, librarians should pool their brainpower and offer smart cuts to library services — because there must be cuts. As towns lay off cops, firemen and teachers, libraries must live with less, too.

Instead of demanding full funding restoration or tinkering with municipal spending caps, librarians should propose shutting some of the state’s 440 libraries. Patricia Tumulty, executive director of the New Jersey Library Association, admits that eventually some municipal libraries probably will have to close, “but am I prepared to say that we can do without 50 or 100 libraries? No,” Tumulty said.

Libraries are symbols of an educated society. But New Jersey has more than it needs — and, obviously, more than it can afford. We can be just as smart with fewer libraries if the closures are thoughtful and a responsible, long-term funding plan is created.
Edison, which has three libraries, recently closed its smallest branch — for a savings of $100,000 annually. And Scotch Plains and Fanwood will let residents vote next year on a merger of the town’s libraries. Other towns could follow those examples.

Morristown and Morris Plains have municipal libraries — both a short distance from the Morris County library. Hanover Township, home to the county library, has a municipal library, too. Those four libraries are redundant — in any economy. In a state of shoehorned municipalities, many neighboring communities have libraries almost rubbing up against each other. Many are tiny libraries that don’t make economic sense.

With the Morristown library damaged by underground explosions, and expensive repairs needed, merger and closure should be on the table.

At the rally, librarians wore T-shirts with the slogan, “Save My NJ Library.” They want to save them all. We can’t. But instead of a knee-jerk protest, librarians could help decide which ones to close to create a stronger, more efficient and more affordable library system.